Trump says Walmart cut prices at his request, but Walmart statement
omits administration's role
[July 07, 2026] By
JOSH BOAK
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Monday sought to take credit
for recent price cuts by Walmart, but a statement by the retailer made
no mention of the administration's involvement in its decision.
The president has faced public backlash over inflation rising during his
watch, as prices climbed initially in the aftermath of his tariffs and
later with the start of the Iran war in late February. Trump described a
recent bipartisan measure to trim housing costs as "a yawn” and tried to
blame the Democrats for inflation staying elevated.
Going into the November midterm elections for control of Congress, Trump
has sought to deride Democrats as communists who would have the
government interfere with private companies. But in his social media
post about Walmart, he said the business had trimmed prices at the
specific request of his administration.
“I have just been informed that one of the biggest, best, and smartest
Retailers in America, Walmart, will be lowering prices, by a lot, at my
Administration’s request to celebrate our great Country’s 250th
birthday,” Trump said. “Walmart will, in particular, be dropping the
price for a pound of ground beef by almost 15%, among many other
products.”
Walmart has benefited in part from higher inflation under Trump, as
consumers have turned to its stores and website in search of lower
prices, according to its quarterly earnings released in May.
The company, in a statement issued Monday after the president's post,
said its price rollbacks at Walmart and Sam's Club “are designed to help
customers and members make the most” of the summer season. There was no
mention of any interaction with the administration and the company did
not publicly comment on Trump's claims.
[to top of second column] |
President Donald Trump speaks at a lunch in the White House Rose
Garden, Monday, July 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree
Nikhinson)
 The statement noted price cuts for
ground beef, corn, red cherries, ice cream, potato chips and
Coca-Cola and Pepsi products.
Inflation for consumer prices has climbed 4.2% over the past 12
months, meaningfully higher than the 3% rate Trump inherited,
according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some inflationary
pressures may ease as the interim ceasefire deal with Iran has led
to lower oil prices as more tankers can travel through the Strait of
Hormuz.
Trump has famously used Walmart as a barometer of the American
consumer, telling the company in May 2025 that it needed to “eat”
the cost of tariffs that he had unilaterally imposed.
“Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for
raising prices throughout the chain,” Trump posted a little over a
year ago. “Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than
expected. Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, ‘EAT
THE TARIFFS,’ and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. I’ll be
watching, and so will your customers!!!”
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved |
